R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-44

The department of transportation shall have full charge and control of the maintenance of the Gainer Dam bridge and roadway, a section of route 12 crossing the Gainer Dam and Scituate Reservoir, and the bridge and roadway are hereby made part of the state highway system. The department of transportation shall appoint such attendants and other employees as may be required for the care and maintenance of the bridge and roadway, and exercise full authority. All appropriations for the care, maintenance, and repair of the bridge and roadway shall be expended under the direction of the department of transportation.